The recession also may be playing a role in the number of 4-H’ers participating in county fairs this year.

After a decade of steady growth, the number of 4-H members in Hancock County has decreased slightly. Extension Educator Sarah Burke said the 2009 total of 1,300 is down about 100 from 2008.

“It is the first time we haven’t seen growth in several years. It could be some families are having to cut back, doing one less activity,” Burke said.

Hancock County’s fair opens Friday, while Marion County’s will be July 23-Aug. 1.

Jessica Jones, her parents and sister have been working toward the county fair all year.

Jessica, 12, in her fourth year in 4-H, has prepared more than 30 projects, including raising several farm animals to show at the fair, set to run from Friday to July 17 in Greenfield.

“I like (showing my) llama and swine because they’re cute,” Jessica said.

Midway rides, demolition derbies and cotton candy vendors are among the other attractions. Admission is free, and organizers expect good attendance, possibly at 25,000, during the eight days, although no official counts are kept.

Jessica and 1,300 other 4-H’ers this week prepared to showcase their projects: from animals to handmade dresses, posters outlining research in veterinary care, and plates of tomatoes grown by kids.

An army of volunteers has been arranging the entries for judging. During fair week, some projects will be displayed while livestock, fashion shows and other contests are under way.

For Jay Jones, whose daughters have entered nearly 70 projects, the week has been busy.

“It takes two trips just to get them and all of their projects and animals to the fairgrounds,” he said with a laugh.

Many families with 4-H’ers are just as busy.

“I am a former 10-year member of 4-H, so the fair is always a big focus of your work all year,” said Jeff Pruitt, this year’s Hancock County 4-H Ag Association president.

“This may be vacation for some families.”

For entertainment, fair planners added horse contests on Wednesday evening. Team roping and a barrel race will begin at 7:30 p.m. The local competitors will include 15 roping teams who, while on horseback, chase down a speeding steer, rope the animal about the head and feet and bring it to the ground.

“Usually a ride is four or five seconds,” said Roger Wilson, a Greenfield-based Realtor and roper.

Wilson said the Wednesday night event also will include barrel racing and an appearance by Whiplash the Cowboy Monkey between the contests.

“He entertains,” said Kandice McCoy, who is helping to put together the evening’s show. “He rides a border collie and herds a group of sheep into three areas of the ring during breaks.”

As in past years, a demolition derby on Tuesday and Thursday evenings will be main attractions in the multipurpose arena. Parking can be at a premium during the derbies, organizers said.